Baldi is accused of over-prescribing painkillers to nine patients, leading to their deaths.

The prosecution's witness Wednesday morning was Dr. Stephen R. Wagner. He is an anesthesiologist and pain-management doctor from Minnesota.

Wagner was the subject of the motion filed by the defense to dismiss the case based on grounds of prosecutorial misconduct earlier this week.

The defense said they were not notified by the prosecution of Wagner as a witness in a timely manner. Prosecutors argued they filed the paperwork at least 10 days before the start of the trial as required by law.

The judge ruled not only to allow Wagner to testify, but also denied the motion to dismiss the case.

The prosecution asked Wagner to review the medical and treatment records of all nine alleged victims in the case.

Wagner said he investigated if appropriate care was provided, how urine analysis tests were handled, clinic visits and what the standard of care was for each patient.

The first patient he was asked about in court Wednesday morning was Jeffrey Johnson, one of Baldi's former patients.

Wagner was asked what he thought of the treatment Johnson received, and replied,

"I thought his treatment was reckless. It was extreme."

Wagner said Johnson had demonstrated substance abuse in the past and his urine toxicology tests were inconsistent with what was being prescribed for him.

Wagner also said he didn't believe the basic standard of care was met for patient Jason Spong, who received medication refills despite a history of doctor shopping, claiming to have lost his medications, and skipping appointments and urine tests.

Wagner said he was also concerned about treatment received by Slipknot musician Paul Gray, who paid in cash for his narcotics at Baldi's office.

"I thought it was unusual. We never take cash for meds. We don't keep controlled substances in our clinic," said Wagner.

Defense attorney Guy Cook asked Wagner if he was aware this was a not a civil case, but a criminal case, where the state must prove Baldi's conduct caused the death of these patients.

"You were asked if you hold a view a doctor makes a mistake he is a criminal and you answered no, is that right?” asked Wagner.

"Yes, I did say that," replied Wagner.

Day eight of testimony in Baldi's trial continues Thursday.

If convicted on all nine counts of involuntary manslaughter, he faces up to 18 years in prison.